Five years after Otoe County voters expanded the board of commissioners from three to five members, the elected commissioners are considering hiring an administrative assistant.The issue rose at a Sept. 10 board meeting, where commissioners outlined an assistant's duties, including administration of general assistance...

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By Dan Swanson

Nebraska City News-Press - Nebraska City, NE

By Dan Swanson

Posted Sep. 16, 2013 at 3:40 PM

By Dan Swanson
Posted Sep. 16, 2013 at 3:40 PM

Nebraska City

Five years after Otoe County voters expanded the board of commissioners from three to five members, the elected commissioners are considering hiring an administrative assistant.

The issue rose at a Sept. 10 board meeting, where commissioners outlined an assistant's duties, including administration of general assistance and writing grants.

When an elected office holder is looking to purchase an item, the assistant could write specifications, advertise and obtain bids.

Commissioners expressed concern that the county misses out on some grants because there is no one to make applications.

Commissioners Carol Crook and Rick Freshman were assigned to a committee to consider a job description for an administrative assistant.

Otoe County Veterans Serivce Officer Marv Pesek has announced his intention to retire by the end of the year. By state law the officer must be a veteran and the position is usually recommended by the County Veterans Committee.

Nelsen said commissioners from Pawnee, Richardson and Johnson counties report that veteran service officers in their counties are also nearing retirement age.

He said the counties might save money by forming a regional position.

Pesek said one person might not be able to handle four counties without diminishing services.

He said Otoe County has nearly 1,600 veterans and his office receives an average of 25 contacts per week by phone or in person.